- 8th Korea-EU Joint Committee on Science and Technology convened following Korea-EU Research and Innovation (R&I) Day
- Discussions focused on expanding bilateral collaboration as Korea prepares to join Horizon Europe as an associated country in 2025
The Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT, Minister: Ryu Young-sang) announced that it co-hosted the 8th ROK-EU Joint Scientific &Technological Cooperation Committee meeting (hereinafter referred to as “the Joint Committee”) with the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Research and Innovation on March 7. The meeting, held at the Presidential Advisory Council on Science & Technology’s Grand Conference Room, followed the successful Korea-EU Research and Innovation (R&I) Day on March 6.
The Joint Committee is an intergovernmental consultative body established under the Agreement on the Scientific and Technological Cooperation between the EU and South Korea signed in 2007. Since its inaugural meeting in July 2007, the committee has convened seven times, with discussions focusing on enhancing bilateral cooperation in science and technology.
The 8th Joint Committee meeting was held in conjunction with the 2025 Korea-EU Research and Innovation Day, reflecting Korea’s upcoming status as an associated country in Horizon Europe from 2025. The R&I Day featured information-sharing sessions on Horizon Europe, case studies from Korean researchers involved in the program, and networking opportunities with European research institutions. The event attracted approximately 1,000 participants, including 550 pre-registered attendees.
The following day, the Joint Committee focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation through Horizon Europe. Discussions covered various strategies for expanding Korea-EU collaboration in science and technology, leveraging Korea’s upcoming participation as an associated country in the program.
At the meeting, the Korean delegation was led by Hwang Sung-hoon, Director General for International Cooperation at MSIT, while the EU delegation was headed by Signe Ratso, Deputy Director-General of the Directorate-General for Research and Innovation. Around 30 participants attended, including government officials from both sides and science and technology representatives from EU member state embassies in Korea.
In the first session, both sides discussed their respective science and technology policy directions. The Korean delegation introduced the 2025 national R&D investment plans for the 12 Critical and Emerging Technologies, with a particular focus on three game-changing fields — artificial intelligence, quantum technology, and advanced biotechnology. The EU delegation, in turn, presented the EU’s international cooperation strategy in research and innovation.
The second session was dedicated to discussions on Korea’s participation in Horizon Europe. The Korean side outlined its support measures to facilitate participation, including the establishment of a dedicated office within the National Research Foundation of Korea, expansion of pre-planned projects, and hosting networking forums for researchers. The EU delegation introduced key programs aimed at enhancing participation, including European Partnerships and EU Missions. Sector-specific discussions followed, focusing on potential collaboration in key areas such as health, artificial intelligence, quantum technology, and carbon-neutral technologies.
The third session explored opportunities beyond Horizon Europe’s Pillar 2, where Korea will participate as an associated country. Discussions covered potential collaboration under Pillar 1, including engagement with the European Research Council (ERC) and the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) program.
The fourth session addressed upcoming priorities for the 2026–2027 Horizon Europe Work Programme and initial discussions on the 10th Framework Programme (FP10), which will follow Horizon Europe from 2028 onward.
Hwang Sung-hoon, Director General for International Cooperation at MSIT, stated, “The European Union is a key partner with world-class expertise and global leadership in science and technology, and we share common values that provide a strong foundation for cooperation.” He added, “With Korea’s associate membership in Horizon Europe, we will make every effort to ensure that Korea-EU collaboration in science and technology delivers tangible results.”
For further information, please contact the Public Relations Division (Phone: +82-44-202-4034, E-mail: msitmedia@korea.kr) of the Ministry of Science and ICT.
Please refer to the attached PDF.